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William Shakespeare

So that title is actually a misnomer. Are the raps from Julius Caesar? Sure they are – but the students are actually charged with updating Antony’s funereal speech in which he eulogizes his friend Caesar while charging the commoners with seeking revenge for Caesar’s death.

While some students dread the assignment (cough, cough, Melissa!), others look forward to it and shine. Beyond creating a rap or a song, what’s most important is demonstrating their ability to update Shakespeare’s Elizabethan English while “translating” Antony’s speech at the same time.

It’s great to see this final product — and it’s also great to see students get out of their comfort zones and push themselves!

Like this:

This is an oldie but a darn goodie from not too long ago. I’ve always liked the assignment – update to modern language either Antony’s or Brutus’ funereal speech from Julius Caesar – and do it in rap form.

For the most part, the kids do a great job with it; they have some fun and demonstrate that they get it at the same time. Admittedly, most of the students aren’t that talented when it comes to rapping, however!

So these are two of my favorites – you can definitely tell that they got into it – but pay attention, the content is king – and both really impressed me with their content!

(I mean, she deserves props just for that outfit!!!)

And for the second, these ladies decided to channel their inner JT to create “Bringing Caesar Back.” Just don’t try to cut them short!

And do you know what I love the most about these? I guarantee that this has stuck with them. I think they had some fun with it, but they got it, too, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

Like this:

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Thanks for checking out my blog on my life as a teacher as well as my thoughts on Educational Reform. I hope that you find what I have to say of value; but more importantly, I hope that you join in the conversation. I don't expect you to agree with everything I say, but hope you are willing to listen.

Disclaimer: The views reflected in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views or philosophies of my employer - but that doesn't mean they're all bad...

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